Decatur in Newton County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Sherman at Decatur

By Jeff Lovorn, December 1, 2011

1. Sherman at Decatur Marker

Inscription. During the Meridian Expedition, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman ordered the XVI Corps to move east while he waited with one infantry regiment at Decatur Crossroads. As Sherman retired for the night, the regiment mistakenly left him unguarded. Seeing an isolated wagon train but unaware of Sherman's presence, Confederate cavalry suddenly attacked, and the house where Sherman was quartered was surrounded. Rescued by the timely return of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry, Sherman narrowly escaped capture.

Location. 32° 26.291′ N, 89° 6.399′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Mississippi, in Newton County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 15 and 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 15. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur MS 39327, United States of America.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on December 31, 2011, by Jeff Lovorn of Florence, Mississippi. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 16 times this year. Photo1. submitted on December 31, 2011, by Jeff Lovorn of Florence, Mississippi. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photograph of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?